According to T. Berry Brazelton, M.D. in his 1992 book Touchpoints: The Essential References, fathers often think outside of the box and offer alternative strategies for problem solving, which in turn increases their children's strategic abilities. Brazelton also goes on to say that children who have involved fathers show more sense of humor, longer attention spans, and more eagerness for learning. Dads tend to offer more physical play than mothers, which increases the physical competency of their young children. A father's involvement also helps teens to develop a strong sense of who they are and increases their ability to resist peer pressure. Studies show that when fathers model behaviors that are respectful to women, their sons are more likely to see women as human beings rather than “things” to manipulate. But…fathers who abuse their wives raise sons who are more likely to abuse their wives and children.
Acoording to Dr. Ross Parke, a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of California at Riverside with more than 30 years of experience researching and writing about fatherhood, fathers do play a unique and distinctive role not only in child rearing but in sharing the burden of daily child care as well. "Fatherlessness is the most harmful demographic trend of this generation," warns social historian David Blankenhorn. "It is the leading cause of declining child well-being in this society. It is also the engine driving our most urgent social problems, from crime to adolescent pregnancy to child sex abuse to domestic violence against women" (Fatherless America: Confronting Our Most Urgent Social Problem, 1995, p. 1).
It's no surprise that when a father walks out on his child or is not there consistently, the child grows up lacking emotionally and mentally. There is a strong correlation between lower self-esteem and an absent father figure, as well as between teen delinquency and absent dads. Fathers and father figures are necessary for a child to be able to grow up into a happy and balanced adult. When a dad is missing in a child's life it leaves a void in that child's life and a whole in their heart. I was blessed enough to have a daddy that has always been in my life and helping me to grow into the great person I am, and I am so thankful for that. However, I know many other children who weren't so lucky.
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). The Bible describes the ideal father as actively and tenderly engaged in his children's rearing and education. But even if you're not a Christian this should still apply, because scientific result have backed the concept that a father needs to be both active and lovingly engaged in his children's raising, education, and throughout their life.
So if you're a daddy reading this, than make sure that today and everyday you remember how important your presence is to your child's development and happiness, and remember to show them how much you care. If you have a good father or father figure in your life make sure you take this day to do something special with them and spend time to let them know how much you value them and how much they have contributed to your life.
President Obama speaking on the importance of fathers
President Obama Launches National Conversation On Importance of Fatherhood and Personal Responsibility
President Obama talks about his own absent father and how he values being a father to his two daughters
2 comments:
Nice piece on being a daddy. I have a beautiful and brilliant one-year-old daughter, Janea, and a 27-year-old son.
I'm still potty training both of them, but my daughter's the only one in diapers these days.
Thanks for writing, fighting, caring and sharing.
R. Lee Gordon
www.nbtee.org
www.uniteedesign.com
www.betterdetroityouth.org
Your piece really brings home how father's can shape the way their children view the world, and the difference that the kids make on this planet. As Co-Founder of Ecodads I think that part of a father's responsibility is to teach our kids to build a sustainable future. We just launched our new website for Father's Day (Happy Father's Day!) so please come visit and learn how you can get involved in a network of fathers working to bring about a difference through the everyday, normal activities we do with our children.
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